Toxic effects of natural piperine and its derivatives on epimastigotes and amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi

We describe herein an evaluation of trypanocidal effects of the natural alkaloid piperine and twelve synthetic derivatives against epimastigote and amastigote forms of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of the incurable human disease, Chagas' disease. The results obtained point to piperine as a suitable template for the development of new drugs with trypanocidal activity. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.